Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Lake Oswego
A few typical reasons why Lake Oswego homeowners face foundation problems include:
- Aging plumbing: The average Lake Oswego home construction year is 1977. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Lake Oswego receives, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to jot down what you desire most in a company, then evaluate each company on your shortlist against these attributes.
Licensing and Experience
Oregon foundation repair companies need either a Residential General Contractor or Residential Specialty Contractor license from the state Construction Contractors Board. Talk to representatives to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, inspection processes and building codes.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Typically, a business will show how long it's been in business. It might also publish blog posts to assist potential clients.
Customer Reviews
We suggest checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company handles them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate well, you should think twice about working with it.
Finally, we suggest you search different websites, like Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Lake Oswego
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,300. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $386 |
Leak Repair | $3,162 |
Stabilization | $5,520 |
Underpinning | $1,478 |
Waterproofing | $3,499 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Lake Oswego
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Lake Oswego?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Lake Oswego foundation repair services?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)